Is Virat Kohli Retiring from ODIs? Viral Photo from England Sends Fans into Frenzy
Share this article:
Virat Kohli’s illustrious career has already seen two emotional goodbyes this year - first from T20Is after India’s thrilling 7-run win over South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final on June 29, 2024, and then from Test cricket on May 12, 2025. While he had reassured fans that ODIs were still on his radar, a recent picture from England has stirred fresh speculation.
Currently in England with wife Anushka Sharma and their children Vamika and Akaay, Kohli’s candid snap has gone viral - but it’s not just his smile that’s making headlines. The former Indian skipper’s visibly grey beard has become the centre of social media chatter, with many fearing it’s a sign of yet another retirement announcement.
This reaction comes after Kohli’s own light-hearted comment last month in England, when he explained his Test exit by saying, “I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it’s time when you are colouring your beard every four days.” Now, the uncoloured salt-and-pepper look has fans worried. Comments like “White beard. ODI retirement soon” and “daadhi kuchh zyada hi safed ho gayi” are flooding timelines, while hashtags such as “ODI retirement loading soon?” trend across platforms.
For many supporters, it’s hard to imagine one of the fittest and most passionate cricketers stepping away so quickly. However, India’s ODI calendar might provide some comfort - the next 50-over match is still a few months away.
The Men in Blue will have no fixtures in August 2025, before heading to the UAE for the Asia Cup from September 9 to 28. October begins with a two-match Test series against the West Indies at home, wrapping up in Delhi on October 14. Immediately after, the team travels to Australia for a three-match ODI series, beginning October 19 in Perth, followed by games in Adelaide (October 23) and Sydney (October 25).
Whether this is just a style change or a quiet signal from Kohli remains to be seen, but for now, the cricketing world waits - with equal parts excitement and anxiety - for the legend’s next move.
For many supporters, it’s hard to imagine one of the fittest and most passionate cricketers stepping away so quickly. However, India’s ODI calendar might provide some comfort - the next 50-over match is still a few months away.
The Men in Blue will have no fixtures in August 2025, before heading to the UAE for the Asia Cup from September 9 to 28. October begins with a two-match Test series against the West Indies at home, wrapping up in Delhi on October 14. Immediately after, the team travels to Australia for a three-match ODI series, beginning October 19 in Perth, followed by games in Adelaide (October 23) and Sydney (October 25).
Whether this is just a style change or a quiet signal from Kohli remains to be seen, but for now, the cricketing world waits - with equal parts excitement and anxiety - for the legend’s next move.
Currently in England with wife Anushka Sharma and their children Vamika and Akaay, Kohli’s candid snap has gone viral - but it’s not just his smile that’s making headlines. The former Indian skipper’s visibly grey beard has become the centre of social media chatter, with many fearing it’s a sign of yet another retirement announcement.
This reaction comes after Kohli’s own light-hearted comment last month in England, when he explained his Test exit by saying, “I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it’s time when you are colouring your beard every four days.” Now, the uncoloured salt-and-pepper look has fans worried. Comments like “White beard. ODI retirement soon” and “daadhi kuchh zyada hi safed ho gayi” are flooding timelines, while hashtags such as “ODI retirement loading soon?” trend across platforms.
For many supporters, it’s hard to imagine one of the fittest and most passionate cricketers stepping away so quickly. However, India’s ODI calendar might provide some comfort - the next 50-over match is still a few months away.
The Men in Blue will have no fixtures in August 2025, before heading to the UAE for the Asia Cup from September 9 to 28. October begins with a two-match Test series against the West Indies at home, wrapping up in Delhi on October 14. Immediately after, the team travels to Australia for a three-match ODI series, beginning October 19 in Perth, followed by games in Adelaide (October 23) and Sydney (October 25).
Whether this is just a style change or a quiet signal from Kohli remains to be seen, but for now, the cricketing world waits - with equal parts excitement and anxiety - for the legend’s next move.
For many supporters, it’s hard to imagine one of the fittest and most passionate cricketers stepping away so quickly. However, India’s ODI calendar might provide some comfort - the next 50-over match is still a few months away.
The Men in Blue will have no fixtures in August 2025, before heading to the UAE for the Asia Cup from September 9 to 28. October begins with a two-match Test series against the West Indies at home, wrapping up in Delhi on October 14. Immediately after, the team travels to Australia for a three-match ODI series, beginning October 19 in Perth, followed by games in Adelaide (October 23) and Sydney (October 25).
Whether this is just a style change or a quiet signal from Kohli remains to be seen, but for now, the cricketing world waits - with equal parts excitement and anxiety - for the legend’s next move.
Next Story